Good To Know

“Young Julius” Gets His Wheels

We all love a good story, and this one is certain to make you smile. “Young Julius” graduated from Goodwill’s Welding Program back in November of 2017. Previously incarcerated, he joined the welding program determined to do well for himself. After graduating with his certificate, Julius bounced around from a few jobs—increasing his hourly wage at each stop and saving along the way. During his last position at Watson Engineering, his pay was at an hourly wage of $21.

Keeping Welding Trade Program Coordinator Julius Norman’s advice on his mind to “save a dime for every dollar”, young Julius saved enough money to start his own trucking company! He started the company back in August of 2018 and has now obtained a 2,500 sq. ft. office in Pontiac, Michigan, and recently closed on a deal to lease two semi-trucks for his business. Julius has done very well for himself, but he says he owes all of his success to “Juice”, his response to his success, “I OWE IT ALL TO YOU MAN! My mind would have NEVER even been in this direction without you…” he said.

Ford’s Winter Fest

If you haven’t checked out the historic Michigan Central Station, you’re in for a treat. Ford Motor Company is currently running a Winter Festival that’s packed with fun for the kids, a night market, and an exhibition curated by the Detroit Historical Society. That’s not all. Ford has also created an awesome 3D light show projected off of the building. Read more about the event here.

Goodwill’s Health and Safety Tips

What Would You Do if the Power Goes Out During the Winter?

Has your power ever gone out in the winter? If so, chances are, you’ve probably opened the stove to heat the home until DTE showed up. But that’s a big NO. Carbon monoxide dangers and carbon monoxide poisoning can present themselves when a stove is being used to outside of cooking. Here are a few tips on what you can do to stay safe, should your power go out in your home:

Start by calling the power company and keep in touch with a family member or close friend that’s nearby. Be sure to have flashlights and extra batteries handy. Turn your faucets to a trickle (size of a pencil flow). This helps prevent your pipes from freezing. If you have a generator, place the generator away from any doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

To stay warm, use towels to block drafts coming in from window and door cracks. You should probably put extra clothes on yourself, children and animals or wrap up in blankets. Stay hydrated by drinking water or warm fluids. Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.

Lastly, remember to unplug appliances with electronic components, like as microwaves, televisions and computers. This will help to eliminate damage to your appliances from voltage surges when the electricity is restored.

A Drink with Jason Hall

If you’re a Detroiter then you’ve probably heard of Jason Hall, founder of Slow Roll Detroit. We joined Jason for an IPA at The Detroit Foundation Hotel and talked about how he broke down social divides by the thousands, and what his next steps are, after moving on from Slow Roll.

Listen to how Jason helped make Detroit history here.

Taxes on the Go!

Free Tax Preparation Services

If you or your family’s income is $55,000 or less, you’re qualified to get your taxes prepared at Goodwill—for free! Getting your taxes done is simple. First, gather your tax paperwork, state I.D. and social security card and meet with an intake specialist. Then, we’ll prepare your returns and call you to come and pick them up! It’s that simple. With a few steps, you’ll have your tax return in no time.

To schedule an appointment, call 313-557-8718!

Goodwill Birthdays!

Alyssa Didszun, Russell Kessler, Marie Che, Cameron Cronin, Madison Thomas, Cleveland Chandler, Jaron Walczak, Darryl Halthon Gail Hoffman, William Martin, Terry Moore, Dustin Campbell. Robert Troup, L’Toya Howard, Laura Richardson, Lavance Golden, Virgil Taylor, Mary Jo Curry, Donald Smith, Evelyn Williams, Kathy Hopkins, Shanell Shelby, Elvin Rias, Laura Currie, Chloe Freeman, Sherald Bryant, and Horace Randolph!

Happy Birthday, everyone! We wish you a prosperous and healthy year!

Happy Work Anniversary!

Brian Hurst, Rose Wilson, Candice Betts, Andrew Gromaski, Aaron Gooden, Shawntay Johnson are celebrating one year! Denice Lackey, Aleysia Fields and William McDowell Jr. are celebrating two years! Darsan Mitchell and Belinda Pritchett-Kemp are celebrating three years! Marcus Bynes is celebrating four years! Gregory Anderson is celebrating five years, and David Riley is celebrating 21 years of service!

Thank you all for your time, hard work and dedication to Goodwill Detroit!